MOBILE, Alabama -- One of the more unique prep track and field events of the season will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 when the Lyon Newell Charity Throws Meet gets underway at UMS-Wright.

The meet is named in honor of former UMS-Wright football star and track and field standout Lyon Newell, a 1998 graduate. Newell lost his life in a tragic accident in October 2002, shortly after graduating from the University of Alabama.

The event has raised more than $150,000 for charities. In the last eight years, funds have been raised for the Child Advocacy Center. Schools from Alabama, Mississippi and Florida are invited each year to participate in this event.

Six events are contested — the boys’ shot, javelin, and discus and the girls’ shot, javelin and discus. There will be team scoring.

“It’s been named one of the top things to do in March by Mobile Bay Magazine,” said UMS-Wright track and field coach Pat Galle. “Last year, 24 schools participated, and this year, we hope to have more.”

Last year, three of the six meet event records were broken, and Galle expects another competitive field this year.